If you spend time outdoors in areas where snakes are present, it's important to take precautions against snake bites. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing snake protective clothing. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of snake bite protectors available, to help you choose the best equipment for your needs.
Snake Bites
A snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake, typically an injection of venom into the bloodstream. Snakebites occur when a person is bitten by a snake in self-defense or as part of predatory behaviour. Bites from venomous snakes can cause severe health implications, and in some cases, death.

How to avoid snake bites?
The majority of snakebites transpire from October to March when people are more likely to be outdoors; however, in warmer regions such as Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia, this season can be even longer. To prevent being bitten by a snake, follow these steps:
Be aware of your surroundings
This is the most important thing you can do to avoid being bitten by a snake. When hiking or camping in areas where snakes are known to live, be sure to stay on well-worn trails and avoid tall grass, bushes, and rocks where snakes may hide. If you are in an area where snakes are common, keep your eyes peeled for movement or scales.
Wear proper footwear
Wearing boots or closed-toe shoes when hiking or camping in areas where snakes are present can help protect your feet and ankles from being bitten. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as these offer little protection from a snake’s sharp teeth.
Don’t handle snakes
If you see a snake, it’s best to leave it alone. Snakes will only bite humans if they feel threatened, so there’s no need to try to catch or kill one.
Don’t harass snakes
As with any wild animal, it’s important to give snakes their space and not try to harass them. If you come across a snake, back away slowly and give it plenty of room to escape. Never try to pick up a snake or otherwise disturb its natural habitat.
Be cautious around water
Many species of snakes like to hang out near water sources such as ponds and lakes, so it’s important to be extra cautious when swimming or wading in these areas. Wear proper footwear and be on the lookout for any snakes that may be lurking near the water’s edge.

What are the best snake bite protectors?
When it comes to snake bite protection, there are a few different options to choose from.
Snake Chaps
When it comes to protecting yourself from snake bites, snake chaps are an efficient option. Snake chaps cover your entire lower body, offering complete protection from waist to ankle. They're made from tough, durable materials like Cordura nylon or polyester.
Snake Gaiters
Snake gaiters are designed to cover the lower leg and foot, and they typically have a tough outer layer (often nylon or leather) that helps to deflect snake fangs. Most bites occur on the foot/lower leg area, so snake gaiters offer protection to the most likely bite zone, if an incident is to occur. Gaiters are lighter than snake chaps, making them more comfortable to wear even for long hours.
Heavy Boots & Gloves
While wearing thick socks, heavy boots and gloves can serve as an added precaution, they should not be considered a primary defense against snakebites. Sturdy footwear and thick fabric may offer a minor barrier that could potentially deflect a glancing strike, but they are no substitute for maintaining a safe distance.
Snake Repellers
An effective way of keeping snakes away from your home and property is the use of snake repellers. Modern snake repellers utilise strong vibrations that mimic heavy-footed animals. Snakes are bothered by these vibrations and avoid going near the source. EnviroBug’s snake repellers can generate vibrations at variable frequencies, which prevents snakes from acclimatising and removes the need to relocate the devices. The silent motor is also ideal for those who want to keep their property snake-free without any loud, annoying noises.
What should you do if a snake bites you?
- Remain calm. If you are bitten by a snake, it is important to remain calm. Minimising physical agitation and panic helps prevent the venom from circulating quickly, ensuring you stay composed while waiting for help.
- Call for help. Once you have calmed down, you should call for help. If possible, have someone else call 000 while you stay still and wait for help to arrive.
- Remove any jewellery. If you are wearing any jewellery, it is important to remove it before the area around the bite begins to swell. This will help to prevent the jewellery from becoming too tight and cutting off circulation.
- Apply a bandage. Once you have removed any jewellery, you should apply a bandage to the area. The bandage should be quite tight and firm to stop venom from circulating in your blood stream.
- Immobilise the affected limb. If the bite is on an arm or leg, it is important to immobilise the limb with a splint or sling. This will help prevent further movement and keep the venom from spreading.
- Seek medical attention. If you’re bitten by a snake, it is always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to properly assess the situation and will be able to provide the proper treatment.
Conclusion
With the warmer months upon us, it’s important to be aware of how to protect ourselves from potential snake bites. Following the tips above – such as wearing snake gaiters and being aware of your surroundings – will help decrease your chances of being bitten. In addition, it is crucial to remember that if a bite does occur, you must remain calm and seek immediate medical assistance.
FAQs:
The best protection against snakes is prevention. Most snake bites occur when people try to kill a snake or move it, so it's important to leave snakes alone, prevent them from being near your home and property and contact a professional if you see one on your property.
The vast majority of snakes will try to escape if they see or sense a human nearby. In fact, most snakes will flee long before a human ever sees them. Unless threatened, it's rare for a snake to actually bite a person. That said, it's always best to give snakes plenty of space and never handle them - even nonvenomous ones.
Yes, gaiters can help protect you from snakes, as well as other crawling creatures and debris. Gaiters are an essential piece of gear for anyone hiking or backpacking in places where snakes are prevalent.
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts helps protect the skin and closed-toe shoes provide an extra layer of protection. In addition, snake proof gaiters can be worn over the lower leg to provide additional coverage. If possible, it is also a good idea to wear light-coloured clothing, as this makes it easier to spot a snake before it has a chance to strike. It is important to bear in mind that regular clothing should not be considered a primary defense against snakebites.